Aug. 23
In the world of professional sports, we often hear about how athletes become "fat cats." Once they get the mega-dollars, the multimillion dollar deal, they tend to coast.

	Alex Rodriguez hit 52 home runs last year, the most ever in a single season by a shortstop.

This doesn't apply to guys like Alex Rodriguez and Sammy Sosa. Think about those two and the pride they display. They are achievers, winners, PTPers in every way possible.

Take a look at A-Rod in particular. He could have sat back and taken life easy, especially after the Rangers underachieved. Texas has not played near its potential, and that started with a poor performance in the first half of the season. Johnny Oates resigned after witnessing a team playing with a lack of emotion and passion.

Over the course of the season, Rodriguez hasn't sat back and accepted the paycheck. That's what makes him so special. Consider the pressure he has faced from fans and media after becoming the highest-paid player in baseball, making over $25 million per year. He hasn't missed a game, showing his durability.

A-Rod has done it with his bat and his glove. He has battled the heat in Texas and never asked for a day off. When all is said and done, playing another decade or so, he will join the ranks of the great athletes, guys like Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, John Elway, Dan Marino, Cal Ripken Jr., etc.

Rodriguez is leading the league in runs scored and total bases. He's among the leaders in home runs and RBI, and in the top 10 in the AL in batting. After a slow start in the field with throwing errors, he has been more steady with the glove. He is a winner and a leader. It's amazing that he has accomplished so much and is just 26 years old.

Think about the mindset and the psychology of performing -- guys like Rodriguez and Sosa get it done and it's not just about the dollars. It's about pride, about being motivated and inspired to be better today than they performed yesterday. That's what makes them go on. So many athletes take life easy until the final year of a contract. Then it's time to turn it on to get another big deal.

Rodriguez has refused to allow the losing to affect his performance.

Sosa is my choice for NL MVP right now, over Barry Bonds and Luis Gonzalez in a tough call. Imagine where the Cubs would be without him!

Rodriguez has refused to allow the losing to affect his performance. Every day, he executes efficiently. People can talk about the money; this kid is worth every dollar his receives. If he was in a winning situation, you would definitely be hearing his name more in the MVP race. Ask his peers and they will tell you that on and off the field, Rodriguez is the best player in the game.

It reminds me of another player, Ripken. Cal was a guy A-Rod used to emulate. Rodriguez has always sung his praises. I admire and respect the Orioles' future Hall of Famer. Ripken is a Hall of Famer on the field and as a person. Young people can emulate Cal.

To me, A-Rod has had his best season yet. To come out with this type of performance -- in a losing environment and under that much pressure -- that says it all about the type of individual he is. Rodriguez and Sosa are winners; it doesn't have to say it in the standings.